DECEMBER 18, 2015
Tree of Knowledge, maker unknown, c. 1860, cotton. Source: Plain and Fancy: County Quilts of the Pennsylvania-Germans, Anita Schorsch.
A bounty of fruit and trees make up this vibrant example. “Cherry Trees” set as a four block are common to find, but this six block set is more unusual. I love how the trees still feel light and delicate even ladened with fruit. I think, personally, the naive leaves and buds on the undulating vine in the border are swoon worthy. And look, she put stars in the “sky”!
A wee update about yesterday’s quilt (Branches and Vine Quilt). After a question from one of my readers and some work with my magnifying glass, it would appear that the three small animals that are positioned just under the main/central vine are indeed appliqued. Bless her tenacious soul!
DECEMBER 17, 2015
Branches and Vine Quilt, made by Ernestine Eberhardt Zaumseil (American), Pekin, Illinois, c. 1865
Cotton ground appliqued with cotton, silk and wool; 88 × 86 in. (223.5 × 218.4 cm)
Collection The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Gift of George E. Schoellkopf, 2013 (2013.958)
Based on the Tree of Life pattern this is an exuberant example of creativity. It is thought that she traced actual leaves and vines for her designs. The variety of leaves and shades of green add greatly to the success of this quilt.
I love the details of the wee berries and small horses in the lower third of the design. The curlicue tendrils not the central grapevine make my heart skip a beat! In the upper left corner she added a tiny bit of leaf detail in the middle of the loop … adorable!
DECEMBER 16, 2015
This quilt is a spectacular example of bold, original folk art design.
Vibrant colours, dynamic placement of an abundance of leaves, tree trunks firmly rooted by their design and shape, are balanced by the open wreath in the centre. I wonder what the significance is of the bottle and the bird at the top of the design?
Added Dec 17: An observation from Barbara in the comments below, if the quilt is turned 180 degrees, it could be a bird and a tombstone, which would put it into the mourning quilt category, which certainly fits with willow tree signifying “weeping” and mourning. Bravo Barbara for pointing that out!
DECEMBER 15, 2015
Original Tree of Life, made by Sarah Bennington Rickett (1835-1915), Chula, Missouri, 1898. Cotton. 82″ x 88″. Documented during the Oklahoma Heritage Quilt Project
From the documentation notes: “Sarah Rickett designed and made this quilt for her son Edward’s twenty-first birthday. … Sara was the mother of ten children and made an original, appliquéd quilt for each. … This beautiful example of quilt art came to Oklahoma Territory in 1901 with Sarah’s son.”
This one takes my breath away. Embroidered details decorate the buds and grapevines and delicately balanced elements flourish on the quilt. All of this plus the slight variations in the details on the birds and those adorable hearts, in the bottom portion of the design, make it a visual delight.
DECEMBER 14, 2015
Trees are symbols of life and all relationships on earth. Their roots dive deep into the earth inspiring us to ground ourselves, and their branches reach high into the sky inspiring us to grow. This symbol is found in art and literature of all cultures, modern and ancient … and aplenty in antique quilts.
I hope you will join me everyday from now until the 25th for a celebration of “tree” quilts, and share my blog with your friends. Enjoy!
Ohio Tree, maker unknown, c. 1850, cotton, 68 ½” x 82 ½”. From the Michigan State University Museum, Michigan Quilt Project. Published in The Quilt Index.
Doesn’t this quilt just ooze Christmas cheer! This unusual pattern includes both piecing and appliqué. It is quilted in double diagonal lines.
I just love the red berries and the red tree toppers. This quilt makes me smile from ear to ear!
Thank you for joining me.
